July 13th: Today's Feature

July

Angie Le Mar (born 27 October 1965) is a British comedian, actor, writer, director, presenter and producer.

Angie Le Mar, a multi-talented individual, was born and raised in Lewisham, London, to Jamaican parents. Growing up with four older brothers, she faced various challenges during her schooling years. She attended Lewisham Bridge School, Lewisham Girls School, Blackheath Bluecoat School, and Vauxhall College. It was only after completing her education that she discovered she had dyslexia, shedding light on the struggles she faced throughout her academic journey. At the tender age of ten, Le Mar showcased her acting skills in a school play called "In on the Island" at the Albany Empire. This experience ignited her passion for drama, leading her to join the Lewisham Drama Club and later the Second Wave Women's Drama group, where she performed in the captivating play "Net Full of Holes" at the Albany Empire.

Early Years

Hailing from Lewisham, London, with Jamaican roots, she was raised alongside four older brothers. Her educational journey took her through various schools such as Lewisham Bridge School, Lewisham Girls School, Blackheath Bluecoat School, and Vauxhall College. Despite facing challenges in school, it wasn't until later that she was diagnosed with dyslexia after completing her education.

At the age of ten, she made her debut in a school play titled In on the Island at the Albany Empire. This experience sparked her interest in drama, leading her to join the Lewisham Drama Club, inspired by her primary school teacher Mr. Woodgate. Subsequently, she became a part of the Second Wave Women's Drama group, where she showcased her talent in productions like Net Full of Holes at the Albany Empire.

Career

Transitioning into her career, she honed her skills at the Barbara Speake Stage School and Afro Sax drama club under the guidance of Larrington Walker, Ellen Thomas, and Treva Etienne. Alongside two fellow actresses, she founded the Bemarrow Sisters theatre company, which flourished for seven years. Notable productions included A Slice of Life, Gloria, and This Way Up, showcasing her versatility and talent in the performing arts industry.

Stand-up comedy

Since 1985, Angie Le Mar has been honing her skills in the comedy world, starting off with open spots and warm-up gigs at various events in the black community. As she gained more experience, she made a name for herself on the black comedy circuit in the 1990s, sharing the stage with well-known comedians like Felix Dexter, Curtis Walker, Ishmael Thomas, and Leo Chester from The Real McCoy.

Angie Le Mar's talent and popularity eventually led her to the mainstream comedy scene, where she became a regular performer at renowned comedy clubs such as Up The Creek, Jongleurs, and The Comedy Store. Her success peaked when she performed her highly acclaimed one-woman show, Off The Hook, at the prestigious Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in 2000.

Not only did Angie Le Mar make a mark in the UK comedy scene, but she also gained international recognition with performances at iconic venues like the Apollo Theatre in New York and the Comedy Act Theatre in Los Angeles. Her unique style and comedic prowess resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a comedy powerhouse.

In September 2010, Angie Le Mar celebrated a milestone in her career with a special show titled An Audience with Angie Le Mar, "Celebrating 25 years", at the Barbican Theatre. This event marked 25 years of her incredible journey in the world of comedy, showcasing her enduring talent and unwavering dedication to making people laugh. Angie Le Mar truly deserves the title of "The Queen of Black Comedy" for her outstanding contributions to the industry.

Theatre

In 1994, Le Mar embarked on her professional theatre journey by introducing her comedy sketch show, Funny Black Women on the Edge, at The Civic Centre in Southwark, London. This show not only marked her first foray into directing but also showcased her exceptional writing skills as she portrayed multiple characters. The success of the show led to its inclusion in the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it captivated audiences at the Gilded Balloon. Later, in November 1995, the show returned to the stage at the Theatre Royal Stratford East under the direction of Paulette Randall.

The resounding triumph of Funny Black Women on the Edge prompted its revival in 2007. Le Mar, through her production company Straight To Audience Productions, brought back the show in a spectacular manner titled The Best of Funny Black Women on The Edge. This time, the Hackney Empire served as the venue, and the show was skilfully directed by Jo Martin and Dawn Reid, ensuring a fresh and captivating experience for the audience.

Le Mar's dedication to nurturing young talent is evident through her ongoing work with Straight To Audience Productions. Within the organisation, she has established a special division called 'Straight To Audience Youth' (STAY), which focuses on empowering and guiding young individuals. Through STAY, Le Mar conducts workshops that cover various aspects of the theatrical arts, including writing, directing, and stand-up comedy masterclasses. By sharing her expertise and passion, Le Mar inspires and equips the next generation of artists to confidently express themselves on stage.